Koi Perich, standout Gophers safety, earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) All-American team on Wednesday.
As a true freshman, Koi Perich made an immediate impact for the Gophers, tallying 46 tackles and five interceptions, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and a finalist spot for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. His 88.9 PFF defensive grade ranked seventh among FBS safeties. Heading into his sophomore year, PFF ranks him among the top two safeties nationally, alongside Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, the only safeties named to their All-American team.
PFF praised Perich’s seamless transition following the departure of star safety Tyler Nubin, noting his five interceptions—second only to Xavier Watts—and his elite 88.9 grade. He was one of just seven safeties to earn 80-plus grades in both coverage and run defense. With high expectations for 2025, Perich is poised for more preseason accolades. Questions linger about his potential offensive role, with coach P.J. Fleck hinting at a two-way possibility, drawing comparisons to Travis Hunter.
Perich, Downs, and Penn State’s Zane Durant were the only Big Ten defensive players on PFF’s All-American list. After establishing himself as a top Big Ten defender last season, Perich has a chance to cement his status as one of college football’s elite in 2025.
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